JudieGummDesigns

Born and raised in upstate New York, Judie was first introduced to the lost wax process of jewelry making in 1969 in Denver, Colorado where she explored her creativity. In 1972, as the single mother of a five year old daughter, Judie relocated to Alaska. While working as a waitress and creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces on the side, she attended the University of Alaska where she received her first formal training in metalwork. In 1974, she was recommended by her UAF professors to teach a class in lost wax jewelry for the artist in residence program at Service Hanshew High School in Anchorage, Alaska.

In the early 1980’s, she created the blueberry and cranberry designs out of homesickness while living in Boston, MA. Upon returning to Alaska, a local shop owner recognized the beauty and marketability of her designs and encouraged her to begin a production business. In 1985, she created 30 pieces for her new production line, hired an employee, and began marketing her work through craft and trade shows. From 1985 - 2020 Judie and her husband/partner Richard continued to grow the business selling retail, wholesale and mail order catalogs. They opened a retail store front in Ester, Alaska in 1994. They have hired numerous employees over the years who have helped create the line which, at its peak, were over 400 designs

In 2019 Judie and Richard decided it was time to start slowing down and for the past two years they have pursed that goal. In October 2021, they sold their shop and home in Ester, AK and moved permanently to their new home in Green Valley AZ.
Judie will continue to design... it's in her blood... and continue to showcase her work on Etsy. Her website is now closed. As always, she will strive to continue to create distinctive, high quality, nature inspired jewelry.